Modern Physics: Quantum Theory and Applied Field-Particle Physics
Modern Physics is a class designed to expand on the theories introduced in both
Chemistry and Physics. Starting with a more in-depth review of early particle and wave
physics the class moves on to Einstein’s Relativity and the birth of Quantum Theory.
The class then finishes with Fields, String Theory, the fabric of Space-Time and the most
current advances (Supersymmetry and M-theory). Chemistry and Advanced Math are
highly recommended as prerequisites. This course is currently constructed as a 1-credit,
year-long independent study. Assignments include: reading, discussion, summative
writing, evaluative writing, multi-media presentations, and model development. As work
is assigned and submitted it will also need to be kept in a portfolio. All work and
materials are to be contained within the portfolio at the conclusion of the year and
submitted for a final grade, then the portfolio will be returned for future use and
reference.
08/28/07 Unit 1: Birth of Modern Physics
How did we start finding out about the behavior of phenomena we can’t directly see?
To what extent did our early attempts to investigate physics provide a greater
understanding for why phenomena behave as observed?
Resources: Hecht (Ch27), Ohanian (Ch30-32, 35), In Search of Schroedinger’s
Cat (p1-78), Video (Understanding Magnetism)
Maxwell’s Equations
Formulation of Atomic Theory
Discovery of Atomic Structure
09/21/07 Unit 2: Special Relativity
Why is the speed of light referred to as the ‘cosmic speed limit’?
How can different points of view result in different observed velocities, lengths and
times?
Resources: Hecht (Ch26), Ohanian (Ch41), Elegant Universe (p23-52)
Behavior of light
Inertial Reference Frames
Time dilation and Length contraction
Lorenz Transformation
10/12/07 Unit 3: General Relativity
How does gravity act?
How does matter interact with space-time?
Why is 3-d space bound with time?
Resources: Hecht (Ch5), Ohanian (Ch9), Elegant Universe (p52-84), Fabric of
the Cosmos (p3-77), Video (Elegant Universe)
Universal Gravitation
Warps in Space-time
Boundless, finite space
Space-time symmetry
11/02/07 Unit 4: Birth of Quantum Theory
Why do particles on the Quantum/Planck scale experience quantum interactions?
How do particles incorporate wave behavior according to Dual Nature?
Why is there Uncertainty?
Resources: Hecht (Ch28-29), Ohanian (Ch16-17), In Search of Schroedinger’s
Cat (p81-154, p155-214, p215-254), Search for Superstrings, Supersymmetry and the
Theory of Everything (p10-52), Elegant Universe (p85-123), Video (Understanding
Uncertainty, What the Bleep!)
Quantum Interactions
Dual Nature
Uncertainty
Matter waves
Planck-scale interactions and structure
12/21/07 Unit 5: Particle-Field Theory
How do particles that don’t touch still able to interact?
To what extent are particle interactions governed by the properties of the messengers?
How can different observed forces be related and theoretically combined?
Resources: Hecht (Ch30-31), Ohanian (Ch23-24, 30), Search for Superstrings,
Supersymmetry and the Theory of Everything (p53-107, p108-143), Elegant Universe
(p123-131), Video (Elegant Universe)
Field Theory
Particle Revolution
Force Carriers (Messenger particles)
Electroweak Force
Standard Model
02/22/08 Unit 6: String Theory and Beyond
To what extent is String Theory different from Quantum Theory?
How are SUSY and M-Theory extending beyond String Theory and Quantum Theory?
To what extent does our world/cosmological view change with the revelations according
to SUSY and M-Theory?
Resources: Elegant Universe (p135-229, p231-344), Search for Superstrings,
Supersymmetry and the Theory of Everything (p144-184), Video (Elegant Universe)
String Theory
Superstring Theory\
M-Theory
Supersymmetry (SUSY)
04/11/08 Unit 7: Time and it’s properties
How can time be described?
To what extent does SUSY and Relativity affect time?
Resources: Hecht (Ch14, 26, 31), Ohanian (Ch9, 21, 41), Fabric of the Cosmos
(p127-218, p219-326), Video (What the Bleep!)
Common time
Relative time
Entropy and Thermodynamics
Cosmological time
Influence of time on cosmological structure
05/23/08